Rising Obesity Strains Australia’s Aged Care System

Mary, a 72-year-old resident in an Australian nursing home with a BMI of 45, illustrates the challenges of providing bariatric care. Simple tasks like transferring from bed to wheelchair require specialised hoists and two staff members, resources many facilities lack due to underfunding. As obesity rises among older Australians—41% of men and 37% of women aged 65–74 are obese—the demand for tailored care increases. Bariatric residents require more staff time, specialised equipment, and safe handling practices, yet many aged care homes are understaffed, undertrained, and not physically equipped for larger-bodied residents. This extends to community care, where family carers often face unsafe conditions assisting obese older adults at home. Systemic issues, including poor staffing ratios, outdated facilities, and limited training, compound the problem, while no targeted government funding exists for bariatric adaptations. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive solutions: investing in bariatric equipment, mandating ongoing workforce training, retrofitting or designing facilities for obesity-aware care, reforming funding to cover higher care costs, and supporting carers in community settings. Without urgent action, residents like Mary may face compromised dignity, safety, and access to care. Her story underscores the need to prioritise bariatric care in Australia’s ageing population.

HelloCare Editorial Team. (2025, June 4). Australian nursing homes: Are they ready for the bariatric care challenge? HelloCare. https://hellocare.com.au/australian-nursing-homes-are-they-ready-for-the-bariatric-care-challenge/